On Monday afternoon, MLSE Foundation announced Christie
Ossington Neighbourhood Centre as the first recipient of the
Toronto Maple Leafs Community Action Grant presented by the
Just Energy Foundation at St. Raymond School in Toronto. Youth
from the Centre's Nook Children's program were present to
celebrate the announcement that a new hockey program will be
launched in their community and were invited to participate in ball
hockey and combine skill testing with Toronto Maple Leafs hockey
development coaches after the cheque presentation.

"We're extremely proud to announce Christie Ossington
Neighbourhood Centre as the very first winner of the $50,000
Toronto Maple Leafs Community Action Grant presented by the
Just Energy Foundation. Their Nook Children's program helps to
empower many at-risk youth in Toronto by getting them involved in
the community, which speaks closely to the MLSE Foundation's
investment in sport for development," said Michael Bartlett,
Executive Director, MLSE Foundation. "We can't wait to see their
hockey program come to life and improve kids' lives through the
sport of hockey."

Christie Ossington Neighbourhood Centre will receive the $50,000
grant to help fund the launch of its We Nook, We Shoot, We
Score initiative; a free, weekly, after-school sport for
development program focused on building participants' cooperation
and life skills through hockey training.We Nook, We Shoot, We
Score is open to youth between the ages of six and 12
and will positively affect the lives of over 1,000 high-needs,
at-risk children in the Christie Ossington area by providing basic
training in skating, shooting, scoring, goaltending and hockey
rules and regulations. The program focuses on self-esteem, team
building and healthy active living and will also provide equipment
to participants unable to afford their own.

"I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the MLSE for
this incredible funding partnership," said Jennifer Irving, Program
Manager at Christie Ossington Neighbourhood Centre. "We Nook,
We Shoot, We Score will allow children to learn a variety of
skill building exercises on and off the ice. Nook Children come
from all walks of life; however we prioritize our program for those
facing social and economic barriers. Hockey is an expensive sport
that many families are unable to commit funds to. Through this
partnership we are excited to offer children within our community a
program with the appropriate equipment and training to
succeed."

The Toronto Maple Leafs Community Action Grant along
with the Toronto Raptors and Toronto FC Community Action
Grants are three $50,000 sport-specific prizes presented
by the Just Energy Foundation that MLSE Foundation will award to
non-profit organizations supporting youth sports programming in
Toronto each year. In addition to the team-related grants, MLSE
Foundation will also award a $50,000 grant that is not
sport-specific to a selected charitable organization. Eligible
non-profits can apply for all grants at mlsefoundation.org, where
submissions are reviewed by a selection committee before a winner
is chosen and announced at a special event in their community.

"Through the Just Energy Foundation, we are passionate about our
commitment to enhance the livelihood and well-being of the
communities we serve" said Deb Merril, Just Energy's co-Chief
Executive Officer. "It is especially satisfying to help
underprivileged youth secure opportunities that would otherwise be
out of reach for them. The Christie Ossington Neighbourhood Centre
does tremendous work to build a nurturing and supportive
environment. We're delighted to contribute to their Nook program to
promote accessibility and provide enriching experiences through
sport for such deserving youth."

About Christie Ossington Neighbourhood
Centre

Founded in 1994, the Christie Ossington Neighbourhood Centre is
a multi-service organization that provides community based
programming for high-needs children, at-risk youth, homeless men
and women, newcomers and other vulnerable community members. The
organization is dedicated to building upon the strengths and
visions of community members to improve the quality of life.The
Nook Children's Program aims to empower local at-risk children and
youth with the knowledge to participate in and advocate for the
positive community contributions. It is a free after
school/summer/suspension help drop-in program for children ages
five to13.

About MLSE Foundation
MLSE Foundation believes all kids should have access to sport and
the opportunity to develop lasting dreams on the playing field.
With the support of all four MLSE teams - the Toronto Maple
Leafs, Toronto Raptors, Toronto FC and Toronto Marlies -
the Foundation funds the refurbishment of local athletic facilities
and programs that support kids through sports and recreation. Since
launching in December 2009, the MLSE Foundation has invested
more than $15 million into our community.

About Just Energy Foundation
The Just Energy Foundation was established in 2013 by Just Energy
Group Inc. to help registered Canadian and U.S. charitable
organizations secure the resources required to promote the health
and well-being of communities in need. Funded entirely by Just
Energy, the Foundation invests in local programs that work to
enhance the quality of life in Just Energy's operating markets
towards building stronger and supportive communities. Visit justenergyfoundation.com to
learn more.